August 17, 2026 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Gonzales hits two home runs; Story begins rehab assignment
8/17 Cup of Coffee: Trevor Story got off to a good start on his rehab assignment, with Isiah Kiner-Falefa due to join him with the WooSox on Wednesday. Elsewhere, Roman Anthony is slated to begin a rehab stint with Portland on Tuesday. Two home runs from Justin Gonzales (pictured) led Greenville to a big win, while Kleyver Salazar stayed hot for Portland.
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Home runs from Mikey Romero and Jason Delay were not enough as the WooSox dropped their third in a row. Delay finished a double short of the cycle as he went 3 for 4 with three runs scored. Romero went 1 for 4 with the two-run shot, and Trevor Story went 1 for 2 with a run scored while playing four innings at shortstop in his first rehab appearance. The Bisons were all over John Holobetz as he surrendered six runs over 2 2/3 frames. Seth Martinez struck out two over two scoreless innings in his first game since being optioned, and catcher Nathan Hickey fired two scoreless innings in his 12th pitching appearance of the year.
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Portland's pitching continued to struggle as Binghamton took five of six games. Portland took advantage of their opportunities, turning four hits into six runs. Jack Winnay went 2 for 4 with a solo home run, Henry Godbout went 1 for 4 with a two-run single, and Will Turner went 1 for 3 with a walk and an RBI single. Fresh off the injured list, Reidis Sena allowed one run while recording the first two outs of the game. The bullpen took over from there, with Morgan McSweeney allowing four runs over his 2 1/3 frames. He has now allowed nine runs over his first 4 1/3 innings with the organization. Caleb Bolden was the best pitcher on the day, striking out five over three innings of shutout ball.
Portland is 3-7 in its last 10 games, and is now 2.5 games behind Reading for a playoff spot.
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The Drive doubled up the Spartanburgers to earn a series split. Two home runs from Justin Gonzales led the way offensively, as he went 3 for 4 with three RBI and three runs scored. Yophery Rodriguez also went deep, launching his 14th of the season. Catcher Gerardo Rodriguez was on base five times as he went 3 for 3 with two walks, and Owen Hull got his first extra-base hit since August 4 as he went 2 for 5 with an RBI double. Matt Duffy was cruising through three innings, but left after pitching to one batter in the fourth with an apparent injury. He allowed one run over his three innings. Alex Bouchard was thrust into action and picked up the win despite allowing three runs over four frames.
Despite the win, Greenville is the furthest affiliate out of a playoff spot, sitting 4.5 games back.
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Delmarva took the series, scoring seven or more runs for the third time in four games. Jose Bello absorbed most of the damage on Sunday, as he gave up six runs on eight hits and five walks over four innings. The five walks is a new career high. After winning the July Player of the Month award, Kleyver Salazar is putting together a solid August as well. He went 2 for 5 with a two-run home run to raise his August slash line to .275/.388/.500. Josue Brito went 2 for 4 with an RBI double and an outfield assist, while Franklin Primera went 1 for 3 with two walks.
The RidgeYaks are 24-23 in the second half, which puts them 2.5 games behind Fayetteville.
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Player of the Day: Two home runs off the bat of Justin Gonzales helped the Drive secure the only win of the day. The 19-year-old is up to 17 home runs and a .854 OPS for the Drive. Since the 4th of July, Gonzales is batting .327/.447/.582 over 98 at-bats. Now the second-ranked prospect in the system, he received a rare start at first base on Sunday. He mainly plays right field, but he has experience at first base going back to his time in the DSL. He is on track for his third straight SoxProspects.com All-Star selection, and his big night was rewarded with a promotion to Portland.
Photo Credit: Justin Gonzales by Kelly O'Connor